Guage Cluster or Oil Pump

[Msaone]

My son just bought his first car, an 89 Camaro RS with a 305.

On the way home I noticed very erratic action on the oil guage. Pressure actually dropped to zero at idle in addition to bouncing in and out of the red.

I'm pretty sure it's the guage as the tach was acting up as well.

Who has experience with this? Other than installing a mechanical oil pressure guage, any other way to check?

[jderry]

My son just bought his first car, an 89 Camaro RS with a 305.

On the way home I noticed very erratic action on the oil guage. Pressure actually dropped to zero at idle in addition to bouncing in and out of the red.

I'm pretty sure it's the guage as the tach was acting up as well.

Who has experience with this? Other than installing a mechanical oil pressure guage, any other way to check?

You pretty much nailed it, hook up a known working mechanical gauge.

[sman]

Ive only driven a few 3rd gens, but all 3 had at least 1 gauge that was flakey, lol. In all 3 of them it was the oil pressure or volts. 2 out of the 3 could be "fixed" by giving the cluster a good smack. But thats by no means permanent, lol. These were by no means "restored" cars, all were survivors.

For something as important as oil pressure, definitely a mechanical gauge to check it for now to make sure you dont cause any damage (assuming there is a problem, but doubtful)

[Fox Slaughter]

If I recall dont know if it happens with the 3rd gens but doesn't the LT1 pickup known to fall off?

[Msaone]

I spoke with my mechanic and he said, its either a bad sending unit or worn main bearings. Were gonna try heavier oil and a new sending unit. If it get into bearings, I'll let me son drive it till he cant and we'll put a new motor in when the time comes. The body is clean, it'll be worth putting in a new motor.

Thanks for the replies.

[Msaone]

Changed the oil today. Gauge reads better but still think its a sending unit problem.
Taking it one step at a time, the boy isn't rich ya know.